How hard is it to become TSA?

While you can apply to the TSA with only the basic requirements, it can be a very competitive process. Most TSA agents have additional education beyond a high school diploma and many also have great experience to place on their resume as well.

How long does it take to get hired by TSA?

The TSO hiring process takes about to 90 days on average. Review the process below to get a better idea of what to expect, and ensure you're prepared every step of the way. 1. Find a Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA).

Is TSA a good career choice?

TSOs are the backbone of TSA and they play a vital role in keeping air travel safe. If you're interested in a career that offers benefits like health care and retirement, and where you work alongside a diverse and inclusive team, the TSO position offers a great first step in your federal career.

Can you make a career out of TSA?

There is a number of professional growth opportunities for those starting as a TSA agent including: Scheduling Operations Officers. Aviation Regulatory Inspectors. Transportation Security Inspectors – Cargo.

Is a TSA job stressful?

High stress, bad schedule, bad management, bad supervisor, not enough pay for the constant training, bullying by supervisors who are on a power trip. Constant threat of going private and loosing federal benefits. Federal benefits are they ONLY good thing left at that job.

TSA Careers: The Hiring Process

Why is TSA so miserable?

Common themes from the surveys include “dissatisfaction with career advancement opportunities and issues with management's competence and communication.” Indeed, the most commonly selected reason for leaving the TSA was “dissatisfaction with career advancement opportunities and processes,” CNN reports.

Do TSA agents fly for free?

There Are No Travel Perks

Unlike flight attendants and other airline employees, TSA agents don't receive perks like free space-available air travel or the occasional free meal.

Does TSA pay for college?

“The TSA Associates Program was a great experience for me and I will continue my education with the Government Reimbursement for Academic Degree (GRAD) program.” GRAD, a tuition program that invests in TSA employees, reimburses up to $5,000 of tuition expenses on eligible coursework within a calendar year depending on ...

Do TSA agents carry guns?

Most TSA employees are TSO's who do not have arrest powers and do not carry weapons of any kind, including guns. However, there are some individuals under the TSA such as Federal Air Marshals who do have law enforcement powers and are allowed to carry guns through the airport and even on planes.

Is TSA competitive service?

TSA is an Excepted Service agency exempt from most of Title 5 United States Code, including regulations which apply to displaced Federal employees (CTAP/ICTAP) of other agencies, and employment with TSA does not confer "Competitive Status" that generally results from selection and service in Competitive Service ...

Does TSA have a high turnover rate?

The attrition rate among private airport screeners may be as low as 8.5 percent, according to government studies. The high rate among part-time workers is a concern because they make up 23 percent of all TSA screeners, according to the organization.

What are TSA shifts?

Those shifts are: • Full-time: 40 hrs. per week • Part-time: 25 hrs. per week consisting five (5) workdays per week with five (5) hour shifts per day.

What benefits do TSA agents get?

What disqualifies you from being a TSA agent?

PERMANENT DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES

Espionage or conspiracy to commit espionage. Sedition or conspiracy to commit sedition. Treason or conspiracy to commit treason. A federal crime of terrorism as defined in 18 U.S.C.

How much do TSA agents make?

Salary Ranges for Tsa Screeners

The salaries of Tsa Screeners in the US range from $11,043 to $294,666 , with a median salary of $52,938 . The middle 57% of Tsa Screeners makes between $52,938 and $132,844, with the top 86% making $294,666.

How do I pass the TSA interview?

You need to get a minimum of a three on each of the competencies in order to Pass. A failing score on the Standardized Interview is if you get less than a "3" on any of the competencies and/or you get a Fail on the Integrity/Honesty competency.

Is TSA part of FBI?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that has authority over the security of transportation systems within, and connecting to the United States.

Are TSA cops?

Most TSA officers are not commissioned law enforcement officers, and their role is to conduct screening of passengers, baggage and cargo. TSA screeners can search you and your baggage at screening checkpoints, but they cannot arrest you. Other law enforcement officers, such as airport police, are present at airports.

How much is the TSA PreCheck fee?

The application fee for TSA PreCheck® is $85 for 5 years. Before you apply, we recommend that you review the various DHS trusted traveler programs, such as the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and determine the best program for you.

How long is TSO training?

Transportation Security Officer Education and Training

When you are initially hired you must complete 56 to 72 hours of classroom training, 112 to 118 hours of on the job training, certification testing, and may be required to travel for up to two weeks.

How long is TSA orientation?

TSA Orientation Test

In any event, it will not take more than 10 minutes.

Where does TSA training take place?

The TSA Academy (TSA-A) is located on the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) campus in Glynco, GA,. It is the primary home of TSO Basic Training Program Phase 2 for TSO new hires, and also provides training for Transportation Security Inspectors (TSI), Security Training Instructors (STI), and others.

Does TSA get paid biweekly?

Paid bi-weekly.

What does the TSA interview consist of?

During the in-person interview, you will also be asked to answer a few basic personal questions and are expected to provide your current U.S. passport or a driver's license and birth certificate. TSA will collect your fingerprints at the enrollment center during your interview.

How do I become a TSA agent?